D.R. Horton, Inc.'s vice chairman, president and CEO Donald Tomnitz has officially retired, having been succeeded by David Auld on Oct. 1.

Auld was previously serving as EVP and COO and has now taken on the formal title of president and CEO. He has been with the company since 1988, initially joining the team as division president, Orlando. He was promoted to region president for Florida and the Carolinas in 2005, and he was tapped to serve in his most recent role last November.

Frattallone's Ace Hardware of Minnesota was recognized by Ace Hardware Corp. as the co-op's All-Star Retailer of the Year for its contributions to the Children's Miracle Network.

Mike Frattallone accepted the award during a presentation at the Ace Hardware General Session in Orlando, Florida. The ceremony included an appearance on stage alongside Aiden Morales, the 10-year-old ambassador of Ace's fundraising programs across the country.

Orlando, Florida – Ace’s current merchandise strategy is heavy on the paint department, but there were plenty of other categories making news in the 850,000 square feet of exhibits here at the Orange County Convention Center.

Ace Hardware VP Merchandising Frank Carroll, speaking during the General Session here at the 2014 Fall Ace Convention & Exhibits, described the market as “a retail wonderland” with paint leading the way.

Orlando, Fla. -- James Gillula said he expects the United States unemployment rate to fall below 6.5% by mid-year. He cautioned that a slowdown in China could impact the U.S. economy. And he expects the home improvement industry to recoup pretty much all of its weather-related losses from the hash winter.

Those were some of the macroeconomic ideas supplied by Gillula during the 2014 Home Improvement Research Institute Spring Conference held here April 10.

Orlando, Fla. -- Here at the 2014 Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) Spring Conference, Sarah Catlett, VP of The Futures Company, took a high-level, continental look at consumer marketing.

Catlett kicked off the HIRI conference with a quick look at Target's disappointing venture into Canada. The Minnesota-based retailer's efforts to change the way Canadians shop has fallen short, she said, partly because the company missed consumer and cultural cues.

The Home Improvement Research Institute’s 2014 Spring Conference, slated for Orlando April 10, will include a full slate of research-oriented presentations.

Among them will be a presentation from The Futures Company’s Sarah Catlett, VP and HIRI account director, and Christina Hioros, VP and associate head of Global Monitor. Their topic: Not just another United States: Distinguishing consumer attitudes in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Orlando, Fla. -- During its Spring Dealer Market hear, Orgill expanded its show floor to more than 750,000 sq. ft., including multiple model stores and a showcase area that introduced a new vivid Solutions paint area and a “Backyard Oasis” featuring outdoor living ideas.

Organizers said thousands of retailers from the United States, Canada and all over the world took part in the market, which drew to a close March 1.

It’s been a busy summer and fall for HCN: Its editorial staff was taken to many corners of the great United States in pursuit of emerging brands and game-changing products. We were happy to see many industry heavyweights at several of the big trade shows this year, as well as a few hidden gems in the home improvement aisle. From old favorites to promising newcomers, here are a few highlights from the reporter’s notebook.

The American Rental Association (ARA) will recognize individuals for outstanding service to the association and the rental industry during the upcoming The Rental Show in Orlando, Fla. Among those to be honored is Alex Kouzmanoff, VP of Azteck Tents in Torrance, Calif.

D.R. Horton, Inc. has promoted David Auld to the position of EVP and COO, where he will oversee the company's homebuilding regions and help guide its operations.

Auld has been with the company since 1988, joining initially as president of the Orlando division. He was promoted to president of the company's East region in 2005. His resume also includes stints with Texas American Bank and General Dynamics.

Orlando, Fla. -- First came a roll out of Clark & Kensington private label paint. Next came a blockbuster deal with Valspar. And now comes the introduction and unveiling of the Paint Studio, the new brand for Ace Hardware’s self-described “Paint Reinvention” program.

It’s all part of Ace Hardware’s efforts to get relevant and make noise in the retail paint arena, said John Surane, senior VP merchandising, marketing and sales.

Orlando -- Author and customer service consultant Shep Hyken told Ace Hardware dealers that being helpful means more than just making sales. It means being a bigger part of the community.

Hyken is author of “Amaze Every Customer Every Time,” an analysis and case study of Ace Hardware stores. During the General Session of the Ace Hardware Fall Convention & Exhibits here at the Orange County Convention Center, Hyken pointed to tools retailers can use to beat the competition at customer service.

Orlando, Fla. -- Ace Hardware CEO John Venhuizen took the stage in Orlando during the co-op’s Fall Convention and energetically spelled out reasons for Ace stores to be optimistic. He also declared: “We lack the luxury to stand still.”